Toronto Botanical Garden’s fundraising garden tour

Every year, Toronto Botanical Gardens (TBG) holds a their major fundraiser, Through the Garden Gate garden tour, and all the proceeds go towards the TBG’s programs and services.

This year, the 27th year of Through the Garden Gate, takes place in Hogg’s Hollow, “one of the most affluent neighbourhoods in Toronto,” according to Wikipedia and Toronto Neighbourhood Guide.

Hogg’s Hollow: soil

From a soil perspective, Hogg’s Hollow gardens are worth visiting because most of Greater Toronto Area (GTA) gardeners deal with the same kind of soil: silty clay soil, with an emphasis on clay. Nothing shows the predominance of silty clay tills in the GTA more clearly than the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources’ Geological Map of Toronto and surrounding areas!

Wandering through the Hogg’s Hollow gardens allows us to see what trees, shrubs and perennials, landscape architects, professional gardeners and landscapers select for silty clay soil (plus amendments). Mulch is popular amendment in this neighbourhood. Go Hogg’s Hollow! I particularly liked the yellow-flowered Magnolia ‘Elizabeth.’

Magnolia ‘Elizabeth’

Hogg’s Hollow garden style

Even if you aren’t in the market of buying plants for your clay soil garden, the 19 gardens on the tour are an inspiration catalyst as they differ in style and ambience.

From the formal

To the relaxed country-style

Be warned: Hogg’s Hollow neighbourhood is not only hilly, but its old-time charm has also been preserved: no sidewalks, parking or wide roads. It’s probably easier to use the free shuttle buses to visit the 19 gardens set in this idyllic neighbourhood.